20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

16. George Lucas Didn't Want To Direct It

The Phantom Menace was Lucas' first directorial effort in the 22 years since the release of A New Hope, and as much as fans will cite his lack of filmmaking passion as one of the film's major problems, Lucas himself seemed acutely aware of his limitations.

He initially invited now-Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Hare (The Hours) to co-direct the film, as Lucas felt that a second director could focus on the actors while he could train his attention on helming the action sequences.

Hare refused Lucas, and shortly before The Force Awakens' release, Steven Spielberg confirmed that himself, Ron Howard and Robert Zemeckis were all approached to direct The Phantom Menace. Naturally, all refused, feeling that Lucas was the only man right for the job.

In an interview, Howard also added that Lucas "didn’t necessarily want to direct [the prequels]", basically confirming that he only took the reins because nobody he trusted actually wanted to.